Chosen by a few of the most well-known paint brands, these popular color combinations give a home a beautiful first impression. The color on this brush is Golden Kiwi, chosen as color of the year for 2006 by ICI Paints' Colour Futures, a worldwide color forecasting group. Barbara Richardson calls the color "stylish yet livible...because it harmonizes with many colors." With this as a base color, you don't need to repaint the entire house next time you need an update. Because Golden Kiwi works well with other colors, refreshing a look can be as easy as changing up some accents.

More than just window dressing, shutters add another dimension of color and style to your home. Both decorative and operable shutters usually come in one of three styles: louvered, raised-panel, or board and batten. Traditionally, raised-panel shutters were used on the first floor for privacy, and louvered shutters were used on second-story windows to allow heat to escape. Measure your windows for operable shutters from the inside. For the width, measure across the window sash. For the height, measure the window from top to bottom, adding an extra inch to account for the part of the sash that settles inside the window frame.

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Wood: Wooden shutters vary in quality. Inexpensive pine can rot and warp quickly, but woods such as cedar, oak, and mahogany have a long lifespan with proper maintenance. Expect to repaint or stain every three to five years. Try Vixen Hill (pictured) or Kestrel DIY Shutters.

Vinyl: These shutters are a relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance option. There is no chance of rot and the color generally won't fade.

Composite: Composite shutters, typically made of a combination of wood chips, fiberglass, and PVC, offer the best of both worlds. You can have the look of wooden shutters, including detailed carving, as well as a long-lasting finish, without the risk of rotting and warping.

Steven Randazzo

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Window Boxes

Overflowing with your favorite flowers, window boxes are a irresistible draw for the eye. Consider planting flowers in a shade that complements the color of your home. Or, for dramatic effect, mix in a second plant that picks up your trim color.

Symmetry is key. Place potted plants in pairs to convey a well-balanced entrance. Choose larger-scale pots and plants for a dramatic flourish.

Frame the entry.A white picket gate is one of the most classic ways to define your entryway. It also provides a measure of safety. Enhance the simple gate's appeal with a flower-laden arbor that creates an airy, romantic doorway. Don't hesitate to mix materials. A wooden gate and iron arbor strike a nice balance.

Steven Randazzo

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Before Makeover

A significant overhaul is worth the cost and time with results like these. Here, designer Nancy Fishelson's tiny stoop was reborn as a wooden deck that spans the front of the house, expanding her outdoor living space.

Steven Randazzo

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After Makeover

Altering the direction of the stairs to the side – a dramatic structural change – makes for a grander entrance that also adds privacy. The lush foliage further softens the look, while a fresh coat of white paint unites the new porch with the house.

Steven Randazzo

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Outdoor Decor

Frontgate's garden accessories, like this bronze urn, have a sturdy look, but most are actually made of lightweight fiberglass. Fill one with your favorite small trees, shrubs, or flowers.

Steven Randazzo

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The Importance of a Well-Lit House Front

A well-lit home and yard is as much about safety and security as it is about aesthetics. Be sure to light the most frequently used areas around your home, such as the front porch, steps, driveway, walkways, back patio, and deck. Consider installing timers and motion-activated sensors to deter burglars. Lampposts add broad illumination to the yard. To highlight specific landscaping, look for path lights to illuminate your walk or accent lights to spotlight a tree.

Accent lights call for a softer, lower light level than functional lights, such as those above your front door or garage, which need to illuminate larger areas. When placing lights near windows, turn them on and check the effect from inside to prevent unwanted glare.